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Following on from my post last year, I thought it would be good to recap on this year's winner after the majestic James Reed won last year's crown.
The runaway UK Rookie of the year for 2023 was Dan "DPOCK" Pocklington - discovering competitive pinball through the gateway drug that is the Pinball Office league run diligently by the fabulous @Lecari - using his shot accuracy and nudging developed over the years to quickly fly up the rankings. After just a few short months, Dan was victorious at the Summer Day at the Office tournament in June and already sits at 23 in the UK rankings, just outside the world's top 1000. It's been a pleasure having Dpock in the tournament scene and he still has room to grow in his second year.
In second was the skillful Jon "Jmac" Carolan who discovered the excitement in tournament pinball after many years in the hobby. Jon started modestly at his first few tournaments before doing well at the UK open, followed up by a massive 4th place at Tilt's Monster Madness event. Jon has already become the 53rd ranked player in the UK and world 2723.
In 3rd spot was the precocious 14 year old George Bennett - like his father (except with great hair), he stunned onlookers with a tremendous performance in his debut tournament at the Office - finishing 9th overall and winning the juniors 1st place trophy. George then managed to top this later in the year at the UK Open - astoundingly qualifying for the B finals against many of the top world and UK players - finishing 56th overall.
Look out for much more from all of these talented players this year!
As ever, if you have never dipped your toe into the tournament waters - do feel free to come along to a friendly regional league meet, regular weekly league or one of the many great tournaments across the country. Everyone is really friendly, encouraging and it is always a lot of fun irrespective of who wins.
You never know, the UK Rookie of the year for 2024 could be you!
Following on from my post last year, I thought it would be good to recap on this year's winner after the majestic James Reed won last year's crown.
The runaway UK Rookie of the year for 2023 was Dan "DPOCK" Pocklington - discovering competitive pinball through the gateway drug that is the Pinball Office league run diligently by the fabulous @Lecari - using his shot accuracy and nudging developed over the years to quickly fly up the rankings. After just a few short months, Dan was victorious at the Summer Day at the Office tournament in June and already sits at 23 in the UK rankings, just outside the world's top 1000. It's been a pleasure having Dpock in the tournament scene and he still has room to grow in his second year.
In second was the skillful Jon "Jmac" Carolan who discovered the excitement in tournament pinball after many years in the hobby. Jon started modestly at his first few tournaments before doing well at the UK open, followed up by a massive 4th place at Tilt's Monster Madness event. Jon has already become the 53rd ranked player in the UK and world 2723.
In 3rd spot was the precocious 14 year old George Bennett - like his father (except with great hair), he stunned onlookers with a tremendous performance in his debut tournament at the Office - finishing 9th overall and winning the juniors 1st place trophy. George then managed to top this later in the year at the UK Open - astoundingly qualifying for the B finals against many of the top world and UK players - finishing 56th overall.
Look out for much more from all of these talented players this year!
As ever, if you have never dipped your toe into the tournament waters - do feel free to come along to a friendly regional league meet, regular weekly league or one of the many great tournaments across the country. Everyone is really friendly, encouraging and it is always a lot of fun irrespective of who wins.
You never know, the UK Rookie of the year for 2024 could be you!
